Nightlife in Skopelos bars and restaurants

While Skopelos may not be known for its wild nightlife, it offers a unique and enchanting experience that is quintessentially Greek. The island’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its beautiful settings, create a nightlife scene that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of your visit to this picturesque Greek island. So, the next time you find yourself on Skopelos, make sure to embrace the island’s vibrant nightlife and dance under the stars.

The nightlife of Skopelos is more low key than on neighbouring Skiathos but if you head for Skopelos Town when the sun goes down you’ll find plenty of late night music bars and clubs to keep you occupied until the small hours, especially in July and August.

Start your evening with an aperitif at one of the many waterfront or hilltop bars which afford wonderful views of the harbour as the sun sets and the boat and harbour lights start to twinkle. The waterfront is chockfull of bars, street cafes and tavernas many of which have tables shaded by huge plane or mulberry trees. This is the perfect place to down a beer or sip an ouzo or two while you watch the passing Greeks on their evening ” volta ” (a leisurely stroll with no particular aim or destination in mind).

When it comes to dining there’s a good selection of tavernas in town to suit all budgets. One of the most elegant and upmarket restaurants is the popular Perivoli Taverna, signposted to the north of Platanos Square. Innovative and mouthwatering international and Greek dishes are served at tables beneath a vine-clad canopy in the restaurant’s lovely candlelit garden. Reservations are essential because the place is always packed with locals and holidaymakers.

There are several good tavernas offering reasonably priced, decent quality Greek fare in and around Platanos Square (referred to locally as Souvlaki Square). One of the most popular is O Platanos where you can enjoy a selection of mezedes at a table beneath a giant plane tree. Seafood fans should make a beeline for Tarsanas, at the western end of the waterfront, where you can savour beautifully fresh fish caught only a few hours earlier.

The evening typically begins with a leisurely visit to one of Skopelos’ many charming cafes or tavernas. These establishments often serve as gathering places for both locals and tourists alike. Here, you can enjoy a cup of traditional Greek coffee, indulge in a slice of baklava, or sip on a glass of local wine. It’s an excellent opportunity to unwind and savor the island’s flavors while mingling with fellow travelers.

As the night progresses, many visitors opt for a delightful dinner at one of Skopelos’ seaside restaurants. These dining establishments offer an array of fresh seafood dishes, traditional Greek delicacies, and international cuisine. Dining al fresco with the gentle sea breeze and the sound of the waves in the background sets the perfect tone for the evening ahead.

After dinner, it’s time for pre-drinks at one of the island’s bars or beachside tavernas. Here, you can enjoy a cocktail, a glass of ouzo, or a shot of the famous Greek spirit, tsipouro. The atmosphere is often lively but relaxed, with live music or DJ sets providing the soundtrack to the night.

Take your pick of one of the many music bars along the waterfront and on and around Platanos Square. Platanos Jazz Bar, opposite the old quay, offers jazz, blues and Latin American music. Or try Ionos Blue Bar, in a back alley near Agios Nikolaos Church, where a huge range of beers, whiskies and cocktails are served to the strains of jazz, blues, soul and ethnic music.

Many tavernas organise Greek nights with traditional music and dancing (they don’t throw plates around these days!) but for a truly Greek experience make the steep climb up to Ouzeri Anatoli where, if the owner’s in the mood, you might be treated to an impromptu performance of bouzouki music and rembetika. Giorgios Xindaris is one of the last great exponents of rembetika – the Greeks’ answer to the American blues – and is often accompanied by musician friends or one of his sons. You can’t order a jug of wine here so be prepared to go with the flow and down the ouzo-like “tsipouro” with the locals while tucking into an octopus salad.

Skopelos may not be a party capital, but it knows how to keep the energy up well into the night. There are several bars and clubs where you can dance the night away to a mix of Greek and international music. Whether you prefer the rhythmic sounds of traditional Greek music or the beats of contemporary hits, you’ll find a spot that suits your musical tastes.

As the night deepens, some revelers choose to explore the charming streets of Skopelos Town by moonlight. The narrow cobblestone alleys are enchanting, and the old town’s architecture takes on a mystical quality under the night sky. It’s an ideal time for a leisurely stroll, perhaps stopping to admire one of the island’s historic churches or enjoying a romantic moment by the waterfront.

As the night gradually gives way to the early morning hours, the partygoers begin to disperse, and the island returns to its peaceful daytime rhythm. Watching the sunrise over the Aegean Sea is a magical way to conclude a night of revelry in Skopelos.